I want to thank the Swinton Lions and their fans for the magnificent gesture of donating some of the gate money from Sunday's game at Barton to Salford. They did not need to do this, but they have chosen to help us. John Wilkinson said he wont forget this and I do hope we as fans won't either. They are our local rivals and it IS an intense rivalry, but they have proved to be good neighbours to us. Thanks to the Lions - I hope it is a good game and well supported on Sunday.

Salford City Reds would like to offer a sincere thank you to the Swinton Lions club for their generous decision to donate a substantial percentage of the gate receipts to Salford City Reds to aid in the fight for survival.

Traditionally each Super League club plays a pre-season friendly against a Championship club with the proceeds going to the lower division team, but on this occasion Swinton Lions Chairman John Kidd and his board of Directors have decided that the bigger picture is more important and have thrown their weight behind the Wilkinson family’s bid to save the City Reds.

Reds Chairman John Wilkinson said:“It’s a fantastic gesture from John Kidd and his board of directors, and one that we will remember. The last few years have seen the clubs pitch in to help each other when needed, and it’s great that these two famous old clubs are fighting so hard together to ensure that the people of the city of Salford have sporting teams to watch and be proud of.

“It is so important for a city’s mood, pride and identity that it has standard bearers to cheer, and this game is an opportunity for the people of Salford to make a loud and clear statement – that our city has its our own sporting identity – an identity that must be protected at all costs. We need as many people as possible to get down to this game and show that sport in this city is something the people want and are prepared to support.”

Speaking in the Manchester Evening News, Lions’ Rugby Director Paul Kidd said:“Super League needs Salford and as Salford’s neighbours we are happy to keep on backing them to the hilt.

“We look to them to set the mark in this region. There has always been great rivalry between the two clubs – to take this away would not be good for the game. That close bond must be allowed to continue. We as a club have also struggled but are still in there battling away.

“People in rugby league circles know how vital it is for the game to be strong in and around the Manchester area. That is Salford’s role.

“I am sure John Wilkinson the Salford chairman will be fighting so hard to try and bring in new investment. Knowing John, he will be on the case for 24 hours. John will be feeling it right now though with how things have been for Salford. It’s a tough time yet no-one can dispute the fact he has done a magnificent job over the years for his club.

“What John has done must never, ever be forgotten. We are more than happy to help Salford all we can.”

Tickets for the game are priced at £12 adults, £7 Seniors & Students and just £3 for under 16s. They are available from www.reds.co.uk or by calling the Ticketline on 0844 888 0200. You can also purchase from the Ticket Office at Salford City Stadium in person up until kick-off, however we are advising pre-purchase if at all possible to avoid congestion on the day.

Last season clubs were giving gate receipts to the Bulls which were worth tens of thousands, this may be worth a thousand or two to Swinton - aren't all clubs so hard up that doing this could make them struggle? Is there more to this (tax relief etc.).

BTW - great gesture by Swinton (and the clubs last year) showing the RL Family does exist, but just wonder about how clubs who are generally living hand to mouth can do this!